Xander was nearing his first birthday and the sadness that Stevie still held in her heart sometimes threatened to drown her in sorrow.
Daily she pushed herself onwards.
Nightly she dreamed of Alex.
Her connection to him so strong she sometimes wondered if she should ask the local doctor to refer her onto a psychologist.
She put on a brave face for her son and her friends, not wanting to drag them down with her into the dark, cold pit that was her life.
Xander was all that kept her going.
...
Jodi and Matt were finally clear to resume their life.
With her belly round with child Jodi daydreamed of rejoining her friends and her old life.
Meg was thrilled to finally be able to have her daughter and now son-in –law coming back into her life and when Jodi told her of the grandchild she was carrying Meg cried and so did Jodi to the point Jodi hung up as neither woman could speak.
An hour later Jodi had rung back and Meg had told her off all the happenings in the district in the time of her absence.
Meg told her of Alex's death and Stevie's deep sorrow and how she tried to hide it from everyone but they were all so aware of her loss and depths of despair and no one knew how they could help her anymore.
Hanging up the phone Jodi cried with grief for her friend knowing how difficult it was to be away from the ones you loved.
...
Alone in the shower Stevie cried as she usually did.
No one could hear her.
Sliding to the floor the water beating down on her she sobbed.
"Alex." she whispered.
"I can't do this anymore. I don't want to go on without you. Oh it hurts."
...
Xander birthday passes in a whirl and although she pretends to be happy all of her friends see through her masquerade.
Meg arrives and there is great excitement at her return and a wonderful distraction for Stevie.
Meg announces. "I've got a present for you Stevie."
"It's Xander's Birthday not mine Meg." Stevie replies smiling.
Meg walks to the door and brings Jodi into the room.
Stevie sobs uncontrollably and all the women present join her.
Tears flow throughout the evening as they chat and catch up.
Stevie feels lighter than she has in a long time and she suspects it's all the tears she's cried.
Gathering her thoughts she asks. "Oh Jodi I'm so sorry I didn't even ask about Matt where is he and is he coming soon?"
Jodi smiles and reaching over to take Stevie's hand she replies. "Yes he is but he had to go and pick up one of our friends I hope you don't mind."
Stevie chuckles and says "Jodi if they're a friend of yours then I'm sure I'll love them.'
...
"Right here we are mate." Matt says as he switches off the engine.
Walking to the back door he knocks and calls "Hello any one home?'
Stevie rushes into the kitchen hugging him and says. "Oh Matt it's so good to see you again. "
Looking puzzled she says "Jodi said you were bringing a friend! Where are they?"
"I'm here." He says as he steps into the room.
Stevie face is ashen and she passes out.
...